Aussie coppers crushed to discover Segways are illegal

Keep walking. Nothing to scoot here

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Some Australian police officers hoping to embarrass themselves by riding around on Segways have run into a problem - the law.

Police in Victoria looked to prop their squadrons up on the Segway scooters. The over-hyped device has become a favorite mode of transport for coppers here in the US, as it opens up a whole new realm of excuses for "the one who biked, skateboarded or jogged away." The Aussie police officers apparently wanted the same excuse luxury but were denied.

"After announcing last year that they hoped to buy several of the two-wheeled electric devices for city patrols, senior police were told by VicRoads that it is illegal to ride Segways, which are designed for footpaths, in public spaces in Victoria," reported The Age.

"VicRoads considers the devices, which can be ridden on private property, to be the legal equivalent of miniature 'monkey bikes,' outlawed by the State Government last year."

Besides the obvious shame, riding a Segway in public carries a $115 fine in Victoria. Local police and a Segway importer have vowed to fight this policy. "Let all our officers look like spoiled losers" might be the refrain.

A whopping 100 Segways have been sold Down Under, according to the paper, making the scooter about as popular as the 1996 Peanut Butter Enema Engage. (Thanks for pointing that out, Nathan.)

Given the meager consumer embrace of the Segway, it's no surprise to see how the scooter's inventor has been spending his time. Dean Kamen has created a product that allows him to drink his own pee. ®